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35. Variety Playhouse

This treasure of Little Five Points first opened as a movie theater in 1940. After the theater closed in 1962, it lay dormant for over 20 years before being transformed into the Ellis Theater in the mid-'80s, only to abruptly close once more in 1988. It finally became the Variety Playhouse in 1989, thanks to producer Paul Blaine, and made the transition to a live music venue the following year. For the past twenty years, it has hosted several acts ranging from The New Pornographers to Gnarls Barkley, and the likes of Phish and They Might Be Giants have also recorded live albums here. The Variety Playhouse has withstood several tests and earned multiple "Best of Atlanta" awards over the years, including Creative Loafing's "Best Concert Venue" award every year for over a decade. Don't act like you're not impressed.